The European Commission, Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries has launched a public consultation as part of the 2007-2013 ESF (European Social Fund) 2013 ex-post evaluation tο receive feedback from the public on the effectiveness and efficiency of the EFF (European Fisheries Fund) Operational Programmes and their impact.

A seminar organised by the European Commission in Brussels brought together national and European policymakers, scientists, fishing industry representatives and other stakeholders to discuss first experiences with the implementation of the landing obligation. Speakers focused on lessons learnt and next steps.

Predators themselves, many sharks today are under threat. At the second Meeting of the Signatories of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Sharks (Sharks MoU), held from 15-19 February in San José, Costa Rica, the Signatories agreed to include 22 additional shark and ray species under the MoU, reflecting the need to strengthen measures to improve or restore a favourable conservation status of these sharks.

European Commissioner Karmenu Vella, responsible for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, is at the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Rome today to discuss sustainable fisheries and ocean governance. Earlier today the Commissioner paid a visit to the headquarters of the Mediterranean fisheries management organisation GFCM. The critical condition of many Mediterranean fish stocks was a key topic.